With the Boston College winin the rearview mirror, the Cincinnati Bearcatsnow prepare for their first night game of the season at Nippert Stadium when Western Carolina visits for a 7 p.m. kickoff Saturday, Sept. 12.
Almost 103 years ago, UC hosted the first intercollegiate night game, shutting out Kentucky Wesleyan 17-0. For students, a "Nipp at Night" game has always been popular.
Though it's week two, the Catamounts are on game three, having won at home against Eastern Kentucky Aug. 29, then lost on the road at Campbell, 28-19 Sept. 6.
The Bearcats will be heavy favorites as the Catamounts dropped out of the FCS Top 25 with their recent loss. UC won the only previous game between the two teams back on Sept. 17, 2005, 7-3, withElder's Bradley
Glatthaar scoring the lone touchdown.
It would seem logical that more than 10 total points will be scored in this contest.
"They put up a lot of points vs. a lot of different teams," UC Bearcats head coach Scott Satterfield said. "They have a lot of speed and try to create some mismatches."
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Cincinnati Bearcats honors in Week 1
The UC offensive line was named Offensive Line of the Week by Big 12 media after helping plow holes for 254 yards on the ground, featuring three touchdowns by quarterback JC French IV.
From PFF (Pro Football Focus) College, safety MJ Cannon was named to the Big 12 Team of the Week and their National Team of the Week for his game against Boston College, featuring an interception and forced fumble.
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Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Western Carolina prediction
Western Carolina is an FCS school, with the Bearcats being FBS. FBS is the highest tier so losing such a game would be an embarrassment. However, it has been done and none other than UC coach Satterfield was involved in the most famous upset when Appalachian State knocked off No. 5 Michigan 34-32 on Sept. 1, 2007.
Satterfield was the Mountaineers' quarterbacks coach that season.
Logic would say if UC can put up 34 points on an ACC team, they could put 50 or more on the board in this one.
"These kids train so hard year-round," Satterfield said. "You get an opportunity, you make the most of it. We play to our standard regardless of the opponent. We're going to demand that, and our players demand that from each other."
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Western Carolina scouting report
Why UC Bearcats have an advantage: The Big 12's Offensive Line of the Week should allow more running lanes for whichever running back is in and provide JC French with ample time to take some shots downfield.
Also, Western Carolina played in front of just over 13,400 in their home opener and in front of a little more than 4,000 in their second game. A night game brings out students and sometimes more families that were tied up during the day with other activities. Whatever the attendance is, it will be close to three times bigger than their previous crowds in North Carolina.
"In the gameday locker room, you can hear the fans above," UC defensive back Jacob Finley said. "You can hear them stomping. Leaving the tunnel, it's like, 'Wow!'. The student section was great, and fans were great the whole game."
Why Western Carolina has an advantage: They don't. They only had one single yard in rushing vs. Campbell, so UC knows they will attempt 40 or more passes. They have thrown for 320 and 326 yards, respectively, in their games, so it could be an active day in the secondary for the Bearcats.
It should be a good test for UC's defense against the pass and the Bearcats should have a chance for some downfield throws on their end in addition to their run game.
"The wide receivers deserve it too," UC quarterback JC French said. "It's not just about me showing it; it's about the wide receivers making plays. They deserve a lot of recognition too and to be able to make some big plays."
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Western Carolina injury updates
As mentioned last week, safety Ty Goodwill, a transfer from South Alabama, is out for the season with an Achilles injury. UC added safety D'Angelo Hutchinson from Louisville, who appeared in the Boston College win but had no stats.
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Western Carolina odds: money line, over/under
Odds from Action Network
- Moneyline: N/A
- Spread: UC by 36.5
- Over/under: 60.5
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Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Western Carolina predictions, picks for college football Week 2
Arizona Republic
Cincinnati 48, Western Carolina 13 (The Bearcats might rush for 400 yards as a team against Western Carolina)
Dimers
Cincinnati 48, Western Carolina 12
UC vs. Western Carolina bold predictions
Another 100-plus-yard game for some Bearcats RB
Gi'Bran Payne had a comfortable 108-yard rushing day against Boston College on just 14 carries and he probably could have had 200 if he got the ball more. But the Bearcats have four running backs they like, and any of them are capable of hitting the century mark.
Cole Tabb ran for 118 yards for Stanford last season against Florida State, and Zylan Perry had three career 100-yard games while with the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns.
"I feel good about whoever's out there," Satterfield said. "G-Payne had a really good game. He also protected and blocked really well when he had to in pass pro (protection). And, on a couple of those touchdowns by JC, he was the lead blocker."
UC's quarterbacks will surpass 200 yards passing vs. Western Carolina
In two years as a starter at Georgia Southern, JC French's lowest passing output was 109 against No. 5 Ole Miss in 2024. Though he only threw for 77 against Boston College, he had a completion rate of 71.4% (10-for-14) and a quarterback rating of 80.8, his highest since recording an 81.7 throwing for three touchdowns against Georgia State last season.
French may not reach 200 yards in this game, but it will likely be because backups Liam O'Brien and Samaj Jones are getting a look. That should be a good sign as it will mean the Bearcats have a comfortable lead.
"We know we're going to have to throw it; there's no question about that," Satterfield said. "We're not to worried about it. It's something we'll continue to work on and try to get better."
UC Bearcats secondary will surpass last season's interception mark vs. Western Carolina
Two interceptions were hauled in over the 2025 campaign, a number Scott Satterfield wants to see increase. MJ Cannon did have a pick against Boston College and Kenny Worthy's interception was called back on a roughing the passer penalty.
Western Carolina's Lex Thomas hasn't thrown an interception yet, but he has been sacked five times. The Bearcats should add to both categories.
If so, the broadaxe will rise on the sidelines. Dating back to his days at Appalachian State and Army, defensive coordinator Nate Woody has used a broadaxe on the sideline to hoist when his defense causes a turnover.
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Western Carolina final score
In our season predictions, I went 42-15 UC, thinking the Bearcats might not want to show much in the early weeks. After seeing them put up 34 on an ACC team with little struggle in Week 1, we'll raise the number a bit.
UC wins 49-15.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Western Carolina prediction: Who wins?
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